COVID-19 complications in a small-town hospital in South Africa

South Africa has experienced three deadly waves of the COVID-19 pandemic with devastating consequences, but little is known about the experiences in small-town hospitals in the country. Between May 2020 and June 2021, author GC treated ~100 confirmed COVID-19 cases. This retrospective case series report describes 10 of these cases, 7 with unusual complications and 3 with sudden death.

Anaphylaxis diagnosis and management in the Emergency Department of a tertiary hospital in the Philippines

BACKGROUND: In the Emergency Department (ED), diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis are challenging with at least 50% of anaphylaxis episodes misdiagnosed when the diagnostic criteria of current guidelines are not used.OBJECTIVE: Objective of our study was to assess anaphylaxis diagnosis and management in patients presenting to the ED.METHODS: Retrospective chart review conducted on patients presenting to The Medical City Hospital ED, the Philippines from 2013–2015 was done. Cases were identified based on International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th revision coding for either anaphylaxis or other allergic related diagnosis. Cases fitting the definition of anaphylaxis as identified by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (NIAID/FAAN) were included. Data collected included demographics, signs and symptoms, triggers and management.RESULTS: A total of 105 cases were evaluated. Incidence of anaphylaxis for the 3-year study period was 0.03%. Of the 105 cases, 35 (33%) were diagnosed as “urticaria” or “hypersensitivity reaction” despite fulfilling the NIAID/FAAN anaphylaxis criteria. There was a significant difference in epinephrine administration between those given the diagnosis of anaphylaxis versus misdiagnosed cases (61 [87%] vs. 12 [34%], χ² = 30.77, p < 0.01); and a significant difference in time interval from arrival at the ED to epinephrine administration, with those diagnosed as anaphylaxis (48%) receiving epinephrine within 10 minutes, versus ≥ 60 minutes for most of the misdiagnosed group (χ² = 52.97, p < 0.01).CONCLUSION: Despite current guidelines, anaphylaxis is still misdiagnosed in the ED. Having an ED diagnosis of anaphylaxis significantly increases the likelihood of epinephrine administration, and at a shorter time interval.

A review of chest radiographic patterns in mild to moderate novel corona virus disease 2019 at an urban hospital in Ghana

Background: In high-income countries, mortality related to hospitalized patients with the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is approximately 4-5%. However, data on COVID-19 admissions from sub-Saharan Africa are scanty. Objective: To describe the clinical profile and determinants of outcomes of patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted at a hospital in Ghana. Methods: A prospective study involving 25 patients with real time polymerase chain reaction confirmed COVID-19 admitted to the treatment centre of the University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana from 1st June to 27th July, 2020. They were managed and followed up for outcomes. Data were analysed descriptively, and predictors of mortality assessed using a multivariate logistic regression modelling. Results: The mean age of the patients was 59.3 ± 20.6 years, and 14 (56%) were males. The main symptoms at presentation were breathlessness (68%) followed by fever (56%). The cases were categorized as mild (6), moderate (6), severe (10) and critical (3). Hypertension was the commonest comorbidity present in 72% of patients. Medications used in patient management included dexamethasone (68%), azithromycin (96%), and hydroxychloroquine (4%). Five of 25 cases died (Case fatality ratio 20%). Increasing age and high systolic blood pressure were associated with mortality. Conclusion: Case fatality in this sample of hospitalized COVID-19 patients was high. Thorough clinical assessment, severity stratification, aggressive management of underlying co-morbidities and standardized protocols incountry might improve outcomes

Calidad del seguimiento a la exposición perinatal al HIV y observancia de las estrategias reconocidas para disminuir su transmisión en un centro de referencia de Medellín / Follow up of HIV perinatal exposure and accomplishment of strategies to reduce the risk of viral transmission, experience in a reference hospital in Medellín

Resumen Introducción. La prevención de la transmisión materno-infantil del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV) es una estrategia fundamental para evitar la infección en niños. A nivel local, se desconoce la situación de las mujeres gestantes infectadas por HIV y el grado de observancia de las estrategias reconocidas mundialmente para disminuir la transmisión perinatal. Objetivo. Describir las características sociodemográficas y clínicas de las mujeres gestantes con HIV y de sus hijos en un centro de referencia de Medellín. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo entre 2012 y 2015 mediante la revisión de las historias clínicas de las mujeres gestantes con HIV y de sus neonatos habidos en partos atendidos en el Hospital San Vicente Fundación. Se describieron las variables de atención prenatal, parto, recién nacido y seguimiento de los neonatos. Resultados. Se analizaron 106 madres y sus hijos expuestos al HIV. El 39,6 % de las mujeres gestantes conocía el diagnóstico antes del embarazo y al 58,5 % se le diagnosticó durante este. El 95,3 % de las mujeres gestantes asistió a control prenatal, 46,5 % de ellas a partir del primer trimestre. Si bien el 95 % recibió antirretrovirales, el 23,9 % comenzó a tomarlos tardíamente en el tercer trimestre. Solo el 63 % de las mujeres registró carga viral para el HIV después de la semana 34 de gestación. El 90,6 % de los partos fueron por cesárea, y el virus del papiloma humano y la sífilis fueron las principales infecciones concomitantes. Se hizo seguimiento de 103 niños (no fue posible localizar a tres de ellos para el seguimiento), a ninguno se le confirmó la presencia del HIV y, en el 88 %, se descartó. Conclusiones. En este estudio, no se registraron casos de transmisión perinatal. Sin embargo, siguen presentándose fallas y retrasos en la atención prenatal y en la oportunidad del seguimiento materno para confirmar oportunamente el HIV y para detectar tempranamente infecciones maternas concomitantes que eviten la morbilidad y las secuelas en los neonatos.

Abstract Introduction: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is essential to limit the spread of the disease. Colombian data about HIV infection in pregnancy are scarce, as well as on the results of the strategies used worldwide to reduce perinatal transmission. Objective: To describe the characteristics and outcomes of pregnant women infected with HIV and their children in a reference center in Medellín. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study for the 2012- 2015 period by studying the clinical records of newborns exposed to HIV and their mothers. We evaluated the characteristics of prenatal care, deliveries, and infant postnatal care, as well as the follow-up data to confirm or exclude HIV transmission. Results: We included 106 infants and their mothers. We found that 39,6% of mothers knew about the HIV diagnosis before pregnancy and 58,5% were diagnosed during pregnancy; 95.3% of them attended prenatal controls, but only 46.5% as of the first trimester; 95% of them received antiretrovirals, but 23.9% started therapy just during the third trimester. Only 63% of women had a viral load for HIV after 34 weeks of gestation. None of the 103 children with follow up had confirmed presence for HIV and in 88% of them, it was discarded. Conclusions: No cases of perinatal HIV transmission were found in the study. However, difficulties and delays persist in prenatal care, in timely maternal follow-up to confirm or discard HIV, and for early detection of maternal co-infections and their effects on newborns.

Dr. Gerardo Ignacio Acosta Peñalver, inolvidable médico del territorio colombino / Dr. Gerardo Ignacio Acosta Peñalver, a memorable doctor from the territory of Colon

En este artículo se profundizó sobre la vida del médico Gerardo Ignacio Acosta Peñalver que laboró en el poblado de San José de los Ramos y en el Hospital Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy de Colón, con el objetivo de destacar su entrega y consagración a la medicina; y de esta manera, rendirle un merecido homenaje. Se abordaron aspectos de su vida y obra; se destacó su superación constante principalmente en la especialidad de Medicina interna y el ejemplo inolvidable en sus familiares (AU).

The life of the doctor Gerardo Ignacio Acosta Peñalver Hospital was treated in this article. He worked in the village of San Jose de los Ramos and in the Hospital ¨Mario Muñoz Monroy¨ of Colon. The aim was highlighting his devotion and consecration to medicine, and that way rendering him a well-deserved homage. Several aspects of his life and work were approached: his constant upgrading mainly in the specialty of Internal Medicine and his unforgettable example to his relatives (AU).

Costos médicos directos de las infecciones del tracto urinario por bacilos Gram negativos resistentes a betalactámicos en un hospital de alta complejidad de Medellín, Colombia / Direct medical costs of urinary tract infections by Gram-negative bacilli resistant to beta-lactams in a tertiary care hospital in Medellín, Colombia

Resumen Introducción. Las infecciones del tracto urinario son muy frecuentes en el ámbito hospitalario. Debido a la aparición de la resistencia antimicrobiana, la complejidad de los procesos de atención ha aumentado y, con ello, la demanda de recursos. Objetivo. Describir y comparar el exceso de los costos médicos directos de las infecciones del tracto urinario por Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae y Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistentes a betalactámicos. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de cohorte en una institución de tercer nivel de Medellín, Colombia, entre octubre del 2014 y septiembre del 2015. Se incluyeron los pacientes con infección urinaria, unos por bacterias sensibles a los antibióticos betalactámicos, y otros por bacterias resistentes a las cefalosporinas de tercera y cuarta generación y a los antibióticos carbapenémicos. Los costos se analizaron desde la perspectiva del sistema de salud. La información clínico-epidemiológica se obtuvo de las historias clínicas y los costos se calcularon utilizando los manuales tarifarios estándar. El exceso de costos se estimó mediante análisis multivariados. Resultados. Se incluyeron 141 pacientes con infección urinaria: 55 (39 %) por bacterias sensibles a los betalactámicos, 54 (38,3 %) por bacterias resistentes a las cefalosporinas y 32 (22,7 %) por bacterias resistentes a los carbapenémicos. El exceso de costos totales ajustado de los 86 pacientes con infecciones del tracto urinario por bacterias resistentes a las cefalosporinas y a los carbapenémicos, fue de USD$ 193 (IC95% -347 a 734) y USD$ 633 (IC95% -50 a 1.316), respectivamente comparados con el grupo de 55 pacientes por bacterias sensibles a los betalactámicos. Las diferencias se presentaron principalmente en el uso de antibióticos de amplio espectro, como el meropenem, la colistina y la fosfomicina. Conclusión. Los resultados evidenciaron un incremento sustancial de los costos médicos directos de los pacientes con infecciones del tracto urinario por bacterias resistentes a las cefalosporinas o a los carbapenémicos. Esta situación genera especial preocupación en los países endémicos como Colombia, donde la alta frecuencia de infecciones del tracto urinario y de resistencia a los betalactámicos puede causar un mayor impacto económico en el sector de la salud.

Abstract Introduction: Urinary tract infections are very frequent in the hospital environment and given the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, they have made care processes more complex and have placed additional pressure on available healthcare resources. Objective: To describe and compare excess direct medical costs of urinary tract infections due to Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to beta-lactams. Materials and methods: A cohort study was conducted in a third level hospital in Medellín, Colombia, from October, 2014, to September, 2015. It included patients with urinary tract infections caused by beta-lactam-susceptible bacteria, third and fourth generation cephalosporin-resistant, as well as carbapenem-resistant. Costs were analyzed from the perspective of the health system. Clinical-epidemiological information was obtained from medical records and the costs were calculated using standard tariff manuals. Excess costs were estimated with multivariate analyses. Results: We included 141 patients: 55 (39%) were sensitive to beta-lactams, 54 (38.3%) were resistant to cephalosporins and 32 (22.7%) to carbapenems. The excess total adjusted costs of patients with urinary tract infections due to cephalosporin- and carbapenem-resistant bacteria were US$ 193 (95% confidence interval (CI): US$ -347-734) and US$ 633 (95% CI: US$ -50-1316), respectively, compared to the group of patients with beta-lactam sensitive urinary tract infections. The differences were mainly found in the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics such as meropenem, colistin, and fosfomycin. Conclusion: Our results show a substantial increase in the direct medical costs of patients with urinary tract infections caused by beta-lactam-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (cephalosporins and carbapenems). This situation is of particular concern in endemic countries such as Colombia, where the high frequencies of urinary tract infections and the resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics can generate a greater economic impact on the health sector.

Detection of multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolated from river waters flowing to the Guanabara Bay and from clinical samples of hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Detección de enterobacterias multirresistentes aisladas en aguas de los ríos que desembocan en la bahía de Guanabara y en muestras de hospitales de Río de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract Introduction: The use of antibiotics in humans, animal husbandry and veterinary activities induces selective pressure leading to the colonization and infection by resistant strains. Objective: We evaluated water samples collected from rivers of the Guanabara Bay, which have suffered minor and major environmental degradation, and clinical samples of hospital origin to detect evidence of the presence of resistance genes to aminoglycosides, beta-lactam antibiotics and fluoroquinolones in strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae, K. pneumoniae subsp. ozaenae and Escherichia coli. Materials and methods: For isolation of the water strains we employed culture media containing 32 μg/ml cephalotin and 8 μg/ml gentamicin. The strains from clinical materials were selected using culture media containing 8 μg/ml gentamicin. The strains were identified and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), plasmid DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect genes encoding enzymes modifying aminoglycosides (EMA), extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and plasmid mechanisms of quinolone resistance (PMQR). Results: The AST of the isolates recovered from water samples showed multidrug-resistance profiles similar to those found in isolates recovered from clinical materials. All isolates from water samples and 90% of the isolates from clinical samples showed at least one plasmid band. In the PCR assays, 7.4% of the isolates recovered from water samples and 20% of those from clinical materials showed amplification products for the three antimicrobial classes. Conclusion: We believe that the detection of microorganisms presenting genetic elements in environments such as water is necessary for the prevention and control of their dissemination with potential to infect humans and other animals in eventual contact with these environments.

Resumen Introducción. El uso de antibióticos en seres humanos, en la industria pecuaria y en las actividades veterinarias induce una presión selectiva que resulta en la colonización e infección con cepas resistentes. Objetivo. Determinar la presencia de genes de resistencia a aminoglucósidos, betalactámicos y fluoroquinolonas en cepas de Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae, K. pneumoniae subsp. ozaenae y Escherichia coli, obtenidas de muestras de agua de los ríos que desembocan en la bahía de Guanabara y de muestras clínicas de hospitales de Río de Janeiro. Materiales y métodos. En la selección de las cepas resistentes obtenidas de las muestras de agua de los ríos, se emplearon medios de cultivo que contenían 32 μg/ml de cefalotina y 8 μg/ ml de gentamicina. En el caso de las muestras de especímenes clínicos, se usaron medios de cultivo que contenían 8 μg/ml de gentamicina. Las cepas se identificaron y se sometieron a pruebas de sensibilidad antimicrobiana, extracción de ADN plasmídico y pruebas de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) para detectar los genes que codifican aquellas enzimas que modifican los aminoglucósidos, las betalactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE) y los mecanismos de resistencia a las quinolonas mediados por plásmidos. Resultados. Se encontraron perfiles de resistencia a los antimicrobianos similares en los dos grupos. En todas las bacterias obtenidas de las muestras de agua y en 90 % de las muestras clínicas, se evidenciaron bandas de plásmidos asociados con la transferencia de genes de resistencia. En las pruebas de PCR, se obtuvieron productos de amplificación de los genes de resistencia para las tres clases de antimicrobianos analizados, en el 7,4 % de las bacterias recuperadas de las muestras de agua y en el 20 % de aquellas recuperadas de las muestras clínicas. Conclusión. La detección de microorganismos con elementos genéticos que confieren resistencia a los antibióticos en ambientes como el agua, es una estrategia necesaria para prevenir y controlar la diseminación de estos agentes patógenos con potencial para infectar a humanos y a otros animales en dichos ambientes.

Prevalencia de tipos histológicos de pólipos gástricos en pacientes adultos de un hospital público de Lima-Perú, en el periodo 2007 al 2016 / Prevalence of histological types of gastric polyps in adult patients from a public hospital in Lima-Peru (2007 - 2016)

Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia de pólipos gástricos detectados mediante endoscopía digestiva alta, en pacientes mayores de 18 años del Hospital Cayetano Heredia, en el periodo 2007-2016. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de corte transversal, realizado con datos de biopsias gástricas de pacientes sometidos a endoscopía digestiva alta entre enero de 2007 y julio de 2016. Se evaluó cambios histológicos asociados, datos demográficos y características endoscópicas, las cuales fueron sometidas a análisis estadístico mediante STATA v14.2. Resultados: En una población de 16 552 endoscopías realizadas, se encontró 407 biopsias compatibles con pólipos gástricos, lo cual da una prevalencia de 2,5%. Los pólipos gástricos fueron más frecuentes en mujeres (62,38%). La mediana de edad fue de 61 años (52-71 años). El tipo histológico más frecuente fue el pólipo glandular fúndico (PGF) (44,85%), seguido de pólipo hiperplásico (38,48%) y adenomatoso (15,23%). La localización más frecuente fue en fondo/cuerpo (48,65%, p=0,001) Se detectó la presencia de Helicobacter pylori (Hp) en el 30,6% de las biopsias compatibles con pólipos. Conclusión: La prevalencia de pólipos gástricos es similar con otras regiones del mundo; los PGF e hiperplásicos son los más frecuentes. Los pólipos adenomatosos estuvieron en mayor relación a cambios como metaplasia y displasia.

Objectives: Establish the prevalence of gastric polyps detected by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in patients older than 18 years old during the period from 2007 - 2016 in Cayetano Heredia Hospital. Materials and methods: Retrospective cross- sectional study, performed with data from the gastric biopsies reports of patients that have undergone upper gastrointestinal endoscopy between January 2007 and July 2016. Demographic data, endoscopic characteristics of the polyps and associated histological changes of the surrounding gastric mucosa were evaluated, which were subjected to statistical analysis using STATA v14.2. Results: In a population of 16 552 endoscopies, 407 gastric polyps biopsies were found. These results give a prevalence of 2.5% .Gastric polyps were detected predominantly in women (62.38%). The median age was 61 years (52-71 years). The most frequent histological type was the fundic gland polyp (FGP) (44.85%), followed by the hyperplastic (38.48%) and adenomatous (15.23%) polyp. The most frequent location was in the fundus / corpus (48.65%, p = 0.001). The presence of Hp was detected in 30.6% of the biopsies with polyps. Conclusion: The prevalence of gastric polyps is similar to other regions of the world; PGF and hyperplastic are the most frequent. Adenomatous polyps showed a greater relationship with and metaplasia and dysplasia.

Changes observed in prostate biopsy practices in an inner city hospital with a high risk patient population following the 2012 USPSTF PSA screening recommendations

ABSTRACT Introduction: We compared characteristics of patients undergoing prostate biopsy in a high-risk inner city population before and after the 2012 USPSTF recommendation against PSA based prostate cancer screening to determine its effect on prostate biopsy practices. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study including patients who received biopsies after an abnormal PSA measurement from October 2008-December 2015. Patients with previously diagnosed prostate cancer were excluded. Chi-square tests of independence, two sample t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Fisher's exact tests were performed. Results: There were 202 and 208 patients in the pre-USPSTF and post-USPSTF recommendation cohorts, respectively. The post-USPSTF cohort had higher median PSA (7.8 versus 7.1ng/mL, p=0.05), greater proportion of patients who were black (96.6% versus 90.5%, p=0.01), and greater percentage of biopsy cores positive for disease (58% versus 29.5%, p<0.001). Multivariable analysis supported that the increase in PSA was independent of the increase in the proportion of patients who were black. The proportion of patients who were classified as D'Amico intermediate and high-risk disease increased in the post-USPSTF cohort and approached statistical significance (70.1% versus 58.8%, p=0.12). Conclusions: Our study suggests that the USPSTF recommendations may have led to an increase in pre-biopsy PSA as well as greater volume of disease. Also, a greater proportion of patients were being classified with intermediate or high risk disease. While the clinical significance of these findings is unknown, what the data suggests is somewhat troubling. Future research should further examine these changes in a larger cohort as well as resultant long-term outcomes.

A Retrospective Study of Culture-confirmed Mycobacterial Infection among Hospitalized HIV-infected Patients in Beijing, China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

A retrospective analysis was performed in two major HIV/AIDS referral hospitals in Beijing to evaluate the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections in HIV-infected patients. A total of 627 patients' data were reviewed, and 102 (16.3%) patients were diagnosed with culture-confirmed mycobacterial infection, including 84 with MTB, 16 with NTM, and 2 with both MTB and NTM. The most frequent clinical complication by mycobacterial infection was pulmonary infection (48/102, 47.1%). The overall rates of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) were 11.9% and 3.4%, respectively. This study underlines the urgent need to intensify screening for mycobacteria coinfection with HIV and to prevent the spread of drug-resistant TB among HIV-infected patients.

Can routine inpatient mortality data improve HIV mortality estimates? Inpatient mortality at an urban hospital in South Africa

Background. South Africa (SA) has one of the world's largest HIV treatment programmes, to which a dramatic increase in life expectancy has been attributed. However, there continue to be concerns regarding the reporting of HIV-related mortality in SA, which varies by source. As accurate HIV mortality estimates are key to measuring the success of the national programme as well as identifying areas for improvement, we propose a complementary approach to monitoring changes in HIV-related mortality using routine inpatient records to examine trends in causes of death and HIV status over time.Objectives. To investigate the feasibility of this approach by calculating mortality due to natural causes in the medical ward of a hospital during 2010 by HIV status.Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study of inpatient mortality at a regional hospital in Johannesburg, SA, analysing all deaths due to natural causes among adult medical ward inpatients. Cause of death was recorded from the mortuary register. HIV status was ascertained directly from the mortuary register or from laboratory tests specific for HIV diagnosis or monitoring.Results. Of 1 167 inpatients who died, the majority were HIV-positive (58%). HIV positivity among males (55%) was slightly lower than that among females (61%), and HIV-positive patients were younger (median 40 years) than those who were HIV-negative (56 years) and of unknown HIV status (68 years). 'Infections and parasites' was the most common cause of natural death (29%). On average, HIV-positive patients were admitted for slightly longer (mean 10.5 days) than HIV-negative patients (9.6 days) and those of unknown HIV status (8.9 days), yet HIV-positive inpatient deaths accounted for the majority (62%) of the total bed days.Conclusions. Even with widespread access to antiretroviral therapy, the majority of inpatient natural deaths at a large public sector hospital in 2010 were of HIV-positive patients and were probably related to HIV. In view of the importance of accurate data on causes of death, both for the HIV programme and to track other diseases, large-scale expansion of this approach over a longer period should be considered

Paro cardiorrespiratorio extrahospitalario. Realidad de un hospital terciario chileno / Out of hospital cardiac arrest events at an urban Hospital in Chile

Background: The incidence of out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is approximately 20 to 140 per 100.000 inhabitants. International registries, based on Utstein criteria have allowed standardized reporting of OHCA profiles and outcomes in different countries. We proposed to create a local OHCA registry. Aim: To assess the quality of the information about OHCA currently recorded in medical records according to Utstein guidelines. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records of patients arriving in the emergency room of a public hospital with OHCA during a 3-year period. Data regarding the patient characteristics, event and outcomes were analyzed. Results: During the revision period, 317 patients arrived with an OHCA. None of the medical records had complete data on items that are considered a minimum requirement by Utstein guidelines. Mean age of patients was 63 years old, 60% were men, the most common arrest rhythm was asystole (43%) and 8% of patients were discharged alive. Conclusions: Data recorded in medical records is insufficient to inform the profile of OHCA. A prospective registry is currently being implemented based on the information provided by this study. This registry should optimize reporting and data analysis.

Unmet needs in health training among nurses in rural Chinese township health centers: a cross-sectional hospital-based study / 보건의료교육평가

PURPOSE: Maintaining a sufficient and competent rural nursing workforce is an important goal of the Chinese health delivery system. However, few studies have investigated the health training status or conducted a needs assessment of rural Chinese nurses during this time of great transformations in health policy. This study was conducted to explore the current health training status of nurses working in rural Chinese township health centers (THCs) and to ascertain their perceived needs. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered structured questionnaire was conducted among 240 THC nurses in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China from March 2014 to August 2014. The survey questionnaire was adapted from the Second Chinese Survey of Demographic Data and Training Demand for Health Professionals in THCs developed by the Ministry of Education. RESULTS: The nurses in THCs were young, with a low educational level. Their perceived needs for health training included further clinical studies at city-level hospitals to improve their skills and theoretical studies at medical universities in emergency medicine and general practice. Overall, 71.9% of the nurses with a secondary technical school background expected to pursue junior college studies, and 68.5% of the nurses with a junior college education expected to pursue a bachelor's degree. A decentralized program with theoretical studies at medical universities and practical studies at county hospitals was regarded as feasible by 66.9% of the respondents. CONCLUSION: Health-training programs for nurses in Chinese THCs must be improved in terms of coverage, delivery mode, and content. A decentralized degree-linked training program in which medical universities and city hospitals collaborate would be an appropriate mode of delivery.

Changes in electrocardiographic findings after closed thoracostomy in patients with spontaneous pneumothorax

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe electrocardiographic (ECG) findings in spontaneous pneumothorax patients before and after closed thoracostomy. METHODS: This is a retrospective study which included patients with spontaneous pneumothorax who presented to an emergency department of a tertiary urban hospital from February 2005 to March 2015. The primary outcome was a difference in ECG findings between before and after closed thoracostomy. We specifically investigated the following ECG elements: PR, QRS, QTc, axis, ST segments, and R waves in each lead. The secondary outcomes were change in ST segment in any lead and change in axis after closed thoracostomy. RESULTS: There were two ECG elements which showed statistically significant difference after thoracostomy. With right pneumothorax volume of greater than 80%, QTc and the R waves in aVF and V5 significantly changed after thoracostomy. With left pneumothorax volume between 31% and 80%, the ST segment in V2 and the R wave in V1 significantly changed after thoracostomy. However, majority of ECG elements did not show statistically significant alteration after thoracostomy. CONCLUSION: We found only minor changes in ECG after closed thoracostomy in spontaneous pneumothorax patients.

Depressive Symptoms Are Negatively Associated with Glucose Testing and Eating Meals on Time among Individuals with Diabetes in Zambia

BACKGROUND: Depression is an established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and mortality among individuals living with diabetes, and impaired self-care behaviors may play a mediating role. In Africa, this association is not very well known. In this study, we examined the associations between depressive symptoms and different aspects of diabetes self-care in Zambian individuals with diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A total of 157 individuals with diabetes mellitus participated. The sample was drawn from four city hospitals in Zambia. Diabetes self-care was assessed using the diabetes self-care inventory, and depression was assessed using the major depression inventory. RESULTS: Fifty-nine percent of the sample had type 1 diabetes mellitus. Variations in self-care activities and behaviors were reported as least adhered to by individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, in adolescent and adult patients. Regression analysis indicated that there was no association between total diabetes self-care and the depression total score. However, depression was associated with poor glucose testing and not eating meals on time by patients with diabetes. CONCLUSION: Some variance on poor self-care was explained by demographic characteristics, specifically age, body mass index, and to some extent, socioeconomic status. Recognition and successful treatment of depression in patients with diabetes might help to optimize self-care behaviors, especially glucose testing and eating meals on time. However, this hypothesis needs further testing.

Prevalence of selected rcardiometabolic risk factors among adults in urban and semi-urban hospitals in four sub-Saharan African countries

Aim: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a global challenge but the burden in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries is less well documented than elsewhere. We aimed to describe the key cardiometabolic risk factors in four SSA countries. Methods: A cross-sectional, multi-national, hospital-based study was carried out among adults (> 35 years) across four SSA countries from 12 December 2011 to 7 February 2013. Risk factors were defined using the World Health Organisation and International Diabetes Federation guidelines.Results: Of the 844 adults (57.4% female, mean age 52.6 years), 76.6% were urban residents. The predominant CVD risk factors were hypertension (74.1%), obesity (36.2%) and excessive alcohol consumption (25.6%). Diabetes (17.7 vs10.0%), obesity (42.8 vs 16.8%) and hypercholesterolaemia (25.8 vs 18.0%) were more prevalent among the hypertensive subjects (all p < 0.007) than the normotensives. The metabolic syndrome (39.4%) was more common in women and hypertensive subjects.Conclusions: Hospital patients in SSA countries present with excessive rates of cardiometabolic risk factors. Focus on their prevention and control is warranted

Contributing Factors for the Registration Rates within Emergency Department Based Post-suicidal Care Program

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the independent factors associated with the registration rate for the community-based post suicidal care program in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted between January and September 2015 at the academic ED in the tertiary urban hospital. The variables examined included gender, age, address, type of insurance, history of previous psychiatric disease, suicide methods, number of previous attempts, CES-D (The Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale), and disposition at ED. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify factors affecting the registration rate for the community-based post suicidal care program. RESULTS: Overall, 331 suicides were investigated, 61 (18.4%) of which were registered in the post-suicide care program. Factors such as a intervention by psychiatric physician (OR: 3.287, 95%; CI: 1.207-9.624) and levels of depression by CES-D score of 16?24 (OR: 3.635; CI: 1.055-12.526) were significantly correlated with registration for the program. CONCLUSION: The registration rate for the community-based post suicidal care program was influenced by frequent intervention by a psychiatric physician and levels of depression by CES-D score of 16-24.